Time passed quickly for her after their talk in V’s office.

Myron was nice, attentive, and also very well-organized, smart, and prepared for anything for everything his position required. Vince’s Executive Assistant expertly ran so many tasks at the same time and yet he managed to optimize his present office systems which he will now let her use. 

Siel was practically awestruck by the end of his presentation.

Despite this, she now understood why she was taking part of his workload.

“Every document template is ready with name and customer, you just need to change dates and input the data, and the formulas will complete the calculations and sums for you. The minutes and emails are a little different, but you can format everything from font type, size, and paragraph details. If you’re not sure about something, feel free to ask me. I’ll be happy to help you.”

She understood what he was explaining and knew the tools but the system he had ready to streamline everything thoroughly amazed her. That, together with how nice and open he was, kept her smiling the whole time she was in “training” with him. And all of that, while he was still in the middle of answering calls and making appointments, which will be her job soon…

Myron had already set the bar, and she was ready to aim for it.

“Excuse me for a moment,” the young, multitasking assistant apologized then proceeded to take a call.

Siel had no problem with him pausing with his instructions because at the moment, the last conversation with V was dancing in her memory and it painted a silly smile on her face.

She found herself remembering what happened right after their “fight,” although “discussion” seemed to be a better word for it…

* * *

Even as she felt how close his face was to hers, she knew she was now turning scarlet. “Uh… I think I should be asking about my new position now…”

V’s eyes were teasing, and his lips were slightly smirking. “I’m sorry, what position?”

Her face turned even redder at his joking tone, and she pulled herself away from him while hitting him on his arm. She actually hurt her hand because of his firm muscles, but she kept it to herself, pouting at him while he laughed.

“I’m serious!” she half-yelled at him. He kept laughing, causing her to eventually giggle along.

“Ok, ok. The job. Here’s the list I made last night, and just go through it with Myron later. You may have the title of Executive Secretary, but that doesn’t mean you’ll end up with secretarial or receptionist tasks alone. You’ll be working on some of the management, marketing, and negotiations aspect with me. Your prior technical and business knowledge, along with your educational background, will come in very handy.”

Siel nodded, now realizing why her salary had been increased to that kind of pay grade. Her relief and understanding must have shown in her face because V affirmed her thoughts immediately…

“I hope you see a little better now that I’m hiring you for your knowledge and experience. True, you have the looks, but I’ll try to leave that out only during office hours,” he finished with a wink.

Oh God, this man will be the end of me, Siel thought as she bit her lower lip to stop herself from giggling.

“And I’m officially starting today?” she asked him.

“Yes. Please go get your belongings, then Myron will help you settle in and give you a short training session regarding instructions, contacts, emails, and everything you’ll need to start you off,” V said with finality as he stood up, giving the signal that their talk was over and he was ready to get back to his desk.

Siel took his cue by standing up and nodding, her smile was now back in place.

He nodded back, then walked to his executive table. She started walking out of his office.

“I would also like to invite you to have lunch with me later. Only if you want to,” V added, mid-stride.

She froze for a second, not sure of what she heard. She looked at him from the doorway. He was 

Waiting…

Well, he has been nice enough… and keeps proving that his intentions are honest. I guess I’m the one who’s really thinking poorly of him… so yeah, I should give him a chance. I mean, look at him now, trying to look cool and calm, but his jaw and neck are obviously tensed up waiting for my answer… well, just look at him, Siel!

“Ok. I’ll have lunch with you, V. See you at noon?” she finally said with a full smile.   

“See you at noon,” he replied in a low, seemingly relieved voice.

* * *

•   Meeting prep, agendas, minutes,

•   Department and Division Coordination

•   Emails, Memos, Transcripts, Contracts

•   Partner and Contact Updates

•   Business Meetings Assistance (On-Site and Otherwise)

 “Alright, I think that about covers it, Ms. Camden. I’ll be keeping this list, and later today, I’ll give you the completed job description and your new job contract for you to sign. Feel free to get your things from the SCIT department so you can set up your desk here.”

“Please, call me Siel. And thanks again, Myron. Will be back as fast as I can.”

“No rush, Siel. You may take time with security coming up because they will be inspecting your things. I hope you don’t mind them being thorough.”

 “As long as you don’t tell me I’m slow then I’m fine.”

“We are not anything like your former manager, so be assured that you won’t be treated the same way ever again while working in this company. Take care and see you later.”

Siel’s smile was full of gratefulness and appreciation as she left V’s very thoughtful Personal Assistant to continue his work. Soon she was walking down the corridors that led to her former office on the 22nd floor.

“Hey, girl! I was wondering where you were,” Diwa breathlessly greeted her. She put aside her make-up kit just in time to see the glowing happiness on her friend’s face.

Yes, our Alpha is now removed from my kill list because of Siel’s present mood. He should be thankful he sent me his Beta, and Aaron has made me too blissful to hold a grudge.

“It’s actually a miracle that you’re late!” the operations manager exclaimed, hiding the fact that she knew why her friend wasn’t in the SCIT department today. “Are the twins alright?”

“Very. Things have been working out in a way I never expected, Di. Just came back here to pick up my things, then I’m going back up to the 166th floor. I’m starting in a new position today!”

Di brought out the actress in her and managed an Oscar- winning reply. “What?! Oh wow, I can’t believe it, Siel! So, you’re working for the CEO now?”

The single mom’s eyebrows knitted at her friend’s reply. “How did you know I’m working for the CEO?”

“Oh, you know, he’s the only one on that floor really… besides, he’s the one who gave you the appointment letter, right? So yeah… just put two and two together…”

“Hmmm… that’s really smart of you, Di. That’s why I love you so much.”

Nice save, Di. Try not to slip up again… a low feminine voice inside her head said with a growl.

“Yep, I love you too Siel. Haha! I’m really glad for you, nobody deserves it more. The only thing I regret is that I won’t see you as often, but your happiness is my happiness too!”

“Well, we have to celebrate!  Can we meet up after work, Diwa?”

“Uhhhh… I’m kinda meeting up with an old childhood friend tonight…”

“Why don’t you visit us this weekend then? The twins will be happy to see you, and we can do some catching up,” Siel suggested upon hearing the hesitance in her co-worker’s voice.

“Yeah, that sounds great! Oh, speaking of great things, did you hear that our ex-boss no longer works with us?”

“Oh wow, really? I can’t believe he could be dismissed just because he was mistreating me.”

“There’s more to that, Siel. He was actually approving clients that didn’t meet the company standard, and he was getting under-the-table bribes for that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s planning to blame you for all of that just to save his skin if he gets found out. But yeah, there was enough evidence to even put him in jail, so he had no choice but to forfeit his severance or else the company will sue him.”

“Oh my gosh, so that’s why he suddenly disappeared! I didn’t wish anything bad to happen to him, but things somehow always come to light.”

“Yeah, and now I got promoted. I’m replacing him as the new SCIT Division manager. So yes, definitely worth celebrating this weekend. Just have to get his office desk fixed or maybe even replaced.”

“His desk? What happened to it?”

Oh shit… me and my big mouth…

Di, didn’t I just tell you to not try and slip up again…

Shut up, Opal! You’re not helping! Gotta think of something fast…

“Uhmmm… I don’t know. When I came in this morning, it was already uhhh… cracked in half. Maybe he vented his anger out on it…”

“What?! How could he? Can I see it?”

“NO! I mean no… uh, don’t bother. It was already taken out by maintenance. Hey, you better go back to your new boss… You know, I don’t wanna keep you and get you fired on your first day…”

From inside the room, a young man in his late 20s listened nervously as Di jokingly shooed her friend away. He breathed a sigh of relief when the Alpha’s mate finally said farewell.

Boy, was wondering what I needed to do to hide this damn broken desk, Onyx… Whew!

His wolf only sighed in relief along with him.

The door suddenly opened a moment later and in peeked Diwa, “All clear, Aaron. You better get going before maintenance does come for Roderick’s office table.”

“Alright, Di. See you at the club after you leave work. I’ll be waiting.”

A long passionate kiss later, the Beta was safely out the door and was on his way down the building.

I can’t wait to see her and Opal again, Aaron. But why the club?

“The Alpha’s orders come first, Onyx. No worries, we’ll make the interview short and sweet. Besides, there’s someone else I need to meet there. Hope he’s ok with it.”

* * *

I hope you have something good planned for lunch, V. I gotta say, every time you and her meet, I get nervous that you’ll do something wrong.

“And here I was thinking you trusted me now after fixing that early morning fight. Thanks a lot, Roth,” joked V.

If it was a pack or even a business matter, you won’t hear a thing from me, I know you’re responsible and smart and can deal with those situations easily. But seriously, when it’s related to our mate, you seem to lose it!

“Well, have you seen her? How would I not?!”

A knock on the door interrupted his internal conversation.

“Yes?”

Siel walked into the office with her bulky shoulder bag, “Am I too early?”

Damn, I didn’t even notice what time it was. Thanks to you, Roth, for distracting me!

Roth growled at him but kept silent so his human can get himself ready for lunch without any interruptions.

“Just give me a moment to turn off my laptop and get my coat. You can wait for me at your desk. Sorry, Elena…”

Siel just smiled at him as she went out the door. “No problem, V. I guess you can say I was asking you as your Executive Secretary. You really should eat proper meals, and I’ll be checking that you do from now on.”

Vince paused momentarily at what he heard while she disappeared from sight. It was unusual for him to have lunch when he’s very busy. Now, suddenly, there was someone telling him that she’ll be reminding him to eat even if it’s not in her job description…

And it’s someone I’m so in love with too… whoa… Now, I need to leave Myron some instructions without her knowing…

Later on, Myron, the MIB-looking security staff, and anyone else who saw them exit towards his secret parking place secretly smiled at the view. Their CEO, walking out with an obviously animated look on his face and with pleasurable company was a sight for sore eyes. News got around fast in V’s pack, and now many were rooting for their Alpha, despite the possible “complications” brought about by his choice.

“What’s your favorite cuisine? Any kind of dish you prefer today?” he asked while he opened his Roadster’s passenger door for her.

“Oh, I actually like new places. I’m not allergic to any kind of food, so… I’d actually like to go to where you usually eat.”

He didn’t expect that request, especially because he had whatever food was at the office. At times, he grabbed whatever the chef at the dining lounge wanted to make for him if he felt like eating during the late hours when he finally got home.

“There’s a Chinese restaurant I love. They make amazing duck dishes. Would you like to try that?”

“Oh, that sounds great!”

Wow, and she’s not being picky, or difficult with my choices… I think I really picked a winner!

* * *

He’ll answer on the third ring, as always… I hope he isn’t going to be difficult…

I hope so too Aaron, Onyx said in his head.

Ring… ring… ring… click.

“Yes, Beta? How’s the interview?”

“Ma’Heron! I’ve got great news! I just found my mate! Where are you, man? I want to celebrate!”

The other line went dead silent for more than ten seconds.

Obviously, the Gamma wasn’t so happy that the caller didn’t give the right answer.

“Well, that’s nice. But I’m not in a celebratory mood right now, so I will have to turn you down.”

“What? Come on, dude! It’s me, your closer-than-a-brother friend. Can’t you be happy for me, even for just a few hours?”

“Aaron, I just got the complete info on our Alpha’s mate’s ex-husband. I am not liking this one bit. Now, unless you want a very worried killjoy friend join you while you drink yourself into a stupor, then driving you to your mate so you can have wild, crazy intercourse after, count me out.”

 “What?! You’re joking, right? Oh yeah, you don’t joke… but you won’t be driving me to her, ok? That’s a promise. She’ll be meeting me there, and I’d like you to meet her.”

“Didn’t you hear a word I said about the ex? Isn’t that more important than you meeting your mate? As it is, I’m already feeling sorry for whoever that woman is.”

“Hey, wait a minute, that’s unfair! I’m gonna be legit from now on. I’ve found her, ok? Not gonna screw around anymore.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“Yeah, you’ll see it. And we can talk about the ex-husband problem at the club later, all right? So, we can make it a celebratory/business/meet-my-mate sort of meeting. What do you say?”

Aaron heard the Gamma’s loud grunt from the other end of the line. He smiled.

“Thanks, dude! I’ll see you later at the club. My treat!”

The Beta ended the call while hearing his wolf’s warning, He’s gonna kill you when he finds out.

“Heh, he can’t do that in the club and in front of his sister. I just want to do this right and proper, even if it kills me.”

Yeah, it probably will, and don’t say I didn’t warn you…